Posted in Uncategorized • 8 minute read

The Railway Quarter is a canny jump-off to riverside paths, long-distance cycle routes and urban runs that blur into art trails and industrial monuments. Lace up your trainers, oil your chain, and start tramping.

And the payoff? At GRQ you’ll find the coffee that wakes you up, the pubs with character, and indie shops and galleries that feel like discoveries in their own right. Start here, end here, and let the journey in between go off the rails.

Gateshead Riverside Park & Sculpture Trail

For a gentle 1-2 miles, start with a wander through Gateshead Riverside Park and explore the sculpture trail. It begins near the High Level Bridge and unfolds along the riverbank, lined with large-scale sculptures, from Andy Goldsworthy’s natural forms to bold industrial pieces.

It’s hilly in parts, but peaceful, and easy to follow; perfect if you’ve just rolled into town or want to ease into your day. Every bend in the path offers something different: look up and see the iron and stone of Stephenson’s High Level Bridge, bathe in mature native woodland then pause to admire sculptures in their many forms.. It’s a walk that doesn’t just get you moving; it keeps you looking.

Tyne Derwent Way: Nine Miles of Discovery

If you’re chasing more distance, the Tyne Derwent Way offers around nine miles from central Gateshead out to the green expanse of Gibside. At the start, you’ll pass under the famous bridges of the Tyne, through riverside woodland, and by Dunston Staiths; once the world’s largest wooden structure, now a haunting industrial relic and heritage icon.

Then gradually the city slips away. You’ll trade traffic noise for birdsong, iron and stone for tree-lined paths. It’s a route that suits walkers who want a day out, runners adding miles, or cyclists looking for a steady spin without leaving the urban fringe. The joy is in the shifting landscape: industrial grit one moment, rolling countryside the next.

The Keelmans Way: Riverside Riding

Prefer wheels? The Keelmans Way (National Cycle Network Route 141) runs roughly seven miles along the Tyne’s south bank. It’s mostly traffic-free, flat, and smooth; great for families, casual cyclists, or runners wanting a longer loop. It connects seamlessly with Hadrian’s Cycle Way (National Cycle Network Route 72) at Scotswood Bridge and Gateshead Millenium Bridge, creating a 14-mile circular..

Start near the Quarter and head west along the Tyne. The terrain is flat once you hit the Quayside. The river is your constant guide, flanked by railway arches, public art, and the occasional mural brightening up concrete walls. It’s the kind of ride where you find your rhythm fast, and before you know it, you’re miles out of town with the option to push on or turn back for a well-earned pint.

Back in the Quarter: Eat, Drink, Explore

Every trail deserves a proper finish, and the Quarter is built for exactly that. Linger a while and enjoy our top picks:

  • Axis: Craft beer and natural wine in a pared-back bar under the arches. Local brews, seasonal pours, and an outdoor spot that comes alive in summer.
  • Microbus: A bus-themed micropub that’s picked up CAMRA’s Pub of the Year. Expect rotating ales, live music, and a friendly, lived-in atmosphere.
  • The Central Bar: A Gateshead landmark in a flatiron building, pouring good pints with a side of history. Warm, unpretentious, a proper local.
  • Station East: Real ale from Hadrian Border Brewery in a relaxed setting just steps from the tracks.
  • Victor Indigo November: Part wine shop, part tasting room. Perfect for slowing the pace and savouring something a little more refined.
  • 586 Records: A crate-digger’s paradise with shelves of vinyl old and new. Whether you’re after obscure house 12″s or classic LPs, it’s a gem worth losing an hour in.
  • Vane: An independent gallery championing experimental artists. Tucked into the Quarter, it’s a reminder that Gateshead’s creative energy isn’t just history – it’s happening now.

Railway Quarter makes a great basecamp for adventure and culture. Walk, run, ride: the city opens up from here. And when you’ve gone the distance, come back to refuel, swap stories, and plan the next one.